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Glazing agentINS 903
E903
Carnauba wax
What you need to know
Carnauba wax comes from the leaves of a Brazilian palm. It gives chewing gum, chocolate sweets and fruit a glossy, non-stick coating.
It passes through the body undigested.
Regulators consider it low concern at the small amounts used.
Where it stands, by region
The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.
| 🇦🇺AU / NZ | Approved Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code). |
| 🇪🇺EU | Approved Permitted (EFSA). |
| 🇺🇸US | Approved Permitted (FDA). |
| 🇨🇦CA | Approved Permitted (Health Canada). |
Health evidence
How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.
Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Unknown
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown
Wax from Copernicia prunifera leaves. JECFA ADI 7 mg/kg bw/day.
Synthesis: Natural-derived (palm leaves)ADI 7 mg/kg bw/day